Paneer butter masala

Posted on August 12, 2025

Difficulty

Prep time

30 mins

Cooking time

25min

Total time

Servings

5

Ingredients

  • Paneer – 200–250 g, cubed

  • Butter – 2 tbsp

  • Oil – 1 tbsp

  • Onion – 1 medium, chopped

  • Tomatoes – 3 large, chopped

  • Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tbsp

  • Cashews – 10–12

  • Kashmiri red chili powder – 1 tsp

  • Turmeric – ¼ tsp

  • Coriander powder – 1 tsp

  • Garam masala – ½ tsp

  • Kasuri methi – 1 tsp (crushed)

  • Fresh cream – 2 tbsp

  • Sugar – ½–1 tsp

  • Salt – to taste

Execution

1. Make the Base

  • Heat 1 tbsp butter + oil.

  • Add onions → sauté till soft.

  • Add tomatoes, cashews, ginger-garlic → cook till mushy.

  • Cool and blend into a smooth paste.

2. Cook the Gravy

  • In a pan, add remaining butter.

  • Add the blended paste.

  • Add chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, salt, sugar → cook 5–6 minutes.

  • Add water to adjust thickness.

3. Add Paneer

  • Add paneer cubes.

  • Add cream + garam masala + kasuri methi.

  • Simmer 2 minutes on low (don’t overcook).

4. Serve

  • Serve with naan, roti, paratha, or jeera rice.

Additional tips

  • Use Kashmiri chili for rich color without extra heat.

  • Always simmer paneer only at the end—long cooking makes it rubbery.

  • Add 1 tsp honey/sugar to balance the sourness of tomatoes for a restaurant-style taste.